Research advances in animal models based on the pathogenesis and treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a continuous disease spectrum characterized by the accumulation of excessive lipid in hepatocytes. Simple hepatic steatosis may progress to NAFLD and even liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and finally hepatocellular carcinoma. Animal models can simulate different causes and histopathological and pathophysiological changes in each stage of NAFLD and thus provide critical guidance for understanding the pathogenesis of NAFLD and selecting therapeutic measures. At present, there are still no ideal animal models that can simulate the whole disease spectrum. This article introduces the most frequently used and recently developed animal models for NAFLD and NAFLD-induced liver cancer and summarizes possible therapeutic targets with reference to the experimental pathogenesis of NAFLD in animal models, in order to provide a basis for further research on the pathogenesis and treatment of NAFLD.